Everything you need to know about new Rams DL coach Giff Smith

He has a chip on his shoulder

Some may not be sold on hiring a positional coach from the Los Angeles Chargers, and are not particularly enamored with hiring a coach from the staff of an NFL teams that just struggled to win games. But you can twist that perspective around, and focus on the coaches who are most qualified to have refined problem-solving skills, and those who are especially motivated to ensure success.

Necessity is truly the mother of invention. Coaches who have endured embarrassing losses are the same coaches who are most likely to do whatever it takes not to experience that humilation again. In another cliche' saying, once burned twice shy.

The path through the LA Rams has worked miracles in restoring the NFL careers of veteran WR Odell Beckham Jr., veteran QB Baker Mayfield, and even most recently that of CB Ahkello Witherspoon, WR Demarcus Robinson, and QB Carson Wentz. So why wouldn't a veteran NFL positional coach who recently ran aground of some bad luck agree to join the LA Rams coaching staff in hopes of a similar restoration of his own career.

If you want to gauge the mentality of Coach Giff Smith, this statement as quoted by The Chargers.com site gives a shining example:

"I think the mentality of our group is dominating every play. I don't want what we call -ride the rollercoaster.- Cannot be up and down right there, we want to steadily gain right there.

When we are put in run or pass with a 1-on-1 block, we should dominate. That is non-negotiable."

- Coach Giff Smith

The LA Rams opened their door to Coach Raheem Morris in 2021, and agreed to hire him as the team's vacant defensive coordinator role. Morris proved to be up to the challenge, as he helped to lead the team to their first Super Bowl win for the city of Los Angeles, California. Now, Coach Giff Smith is about to take his chances at restoring the luster to his NFL coaching reputation.